January

slug: Maven’s Antique-A-Rama Draws A Festive Crowd

#615556

TG – cuts

Review and Photos

By Jackie sideli

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MASS. — Not every show exhibits a period motorcycle jacket, complete with original studs, or an Eighteenth Century desk, a Newburyport painting, Nineteenth Century American quilts, stoneware, fine period silver, framed vintage labels or lots of framed art. However, at Maven Company’s Winter Antique-A-Rama, held at the Big E facility on January 1, these items were displayed in one or more of the 250 dealers’ booths at the show.

Perhaps because of the huge variety and numbers of exhibitors, the show continues to draw and grow – quite an accomplishment in today’s challenging show market. According to the current show manager, Norman Chittenden, who along with Martin Fasack took over the show in 1999 from a retiring Dick Robbins, stated, “We are up in terms of numbers of exhibitors and attendance — it’s been a strong gate so far;” and Chittenden’s comment was definitely valid as the aisles were crowded with customers and retailers alike.

Rowfant Antiques proprietor Robert Girvin, Charlton, Mass., who was exhibiting period silver, including some large scale serving pieces, exclaimed, “It’s been great for us.” Veteran antiques dealers Bill and Joan Lennon, who make the trip to West Springfield to exhibit at the Maven Show three times annually, confirmed Girvin’s opinion by stating, “The spirit is good at the January show — it’s festive, and we do a great deal of selling at this event.” The Lennons specialize in framed, colorful, vintage labels and photographs.

American country furniture and accessories could be found in many booths as well. The dealers from Stoney Spring Farms Antiques, Easton, Penn., were very pleased with their results, “The customers attending this show seem to like Pennsylvania antiques.” Jugtown Gems and Junque from Bloomsbury, N.J., felt the same way, “We’ve had a great show.” They had several round covered pantry boxes and vintage baskets displayed in their booth.

Eleanor Diperrio, from Jefferson, Mass., had a large scale and colorful display of framed doll-like figures, fashioned out of ribbons that were apparently given to bridesmaids as wedding favors, circa 1900–1940. Today, they are highly prized by collectors and make an eye-catching display. Diperrio’s booth also had several rows of ceramic doll’s heads that were actually lipstick holders, as well as a selection of hair spray holders that were also favors for weddings from the same time period.

Antique toasters in working condition have been sought after by aficionados of early electrical home appliances for some time now. It is pretty unusual to see an assortment of them anywhere; they are pretty scarce at this point, however, Christie’s Corner, Chicopee, Mass., had working toasters in sleek chrome and stainless steel. “They all work,” said a pleased Christie.

Antique toy dealer Blue Jet Toys, Holyoke, Mass., said the show had been fun and very active; and proprietor Don Lutz, showing framed period trade cards at Chimney Corner Antiques, Newburyport, Mass., acknowledged that he had done “extremely well” at the show. A concurring Nancy Stronczek, Greenfield, Mass., who exhibited period Christmas ornaments, early samplers, and other fine textiles, exclaimed “I’ve had a terrific show. I love this show.”

Meadowbrook Farm, Canterbury, Conn., had an interesting assortment of period linen towels, while Jackie and George Bernheimer of Moonstone Antiques had some quality American Indian objects, as well as desirable American blown glass; J&S Antiques, Revere, Mass., displayed an intriguing stained glass window; and Window of Time, Catskill, N. Y., had a wonderful oval oil on canvas, depicting flowers against a dark ground.

For information about future Maven Company shows, www.mavencompany.com or 914-248-4646.